Page 21 of Burning for the Truth

He pushes into my space, staring me right in the eye. “Then I’ll be parked on your couch, because I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

Sterling walks in about that time. “It’s him or me,” he adds matter-of-factly.

Logically, I know they’re right. The guy could’ve killed me tonight, but he didn’t. I simply don’t like being told what to do. I roll my eyes. “Fine, you win for now.”

“What’s it gonna be, Bree? Are you staying with me or Dean?” Sterling’s heels are dug in and he’s waiting on Briella to answer him. He has his muscular arms crossed over his chest as he stares her down. I can’t lie, I’m anxious to know the answer. But I honestly don’t see the answer being to stay with me.

She stares him down right back, but they’re the same kind of stubborn and neither like to wave the metaphorical white flag. Everyone has left Drew’s house but us. It’s roped off with crime scene tape. Her gaze flicks over to the house and her face softens for a second before looking at Sterling again. It seems she’s lost some of her fight because her shoulders relax a bit.

“I’m not intruding on you and Ivie. You’re trying to get Aria in a routine, and I won’t mess it up,” she says without casting me a glance.

Sterling rolls his eyes. “Bree, you won’t mess up anything by being there. It’s ridiculous for you to even think that. But if it’s how you feel, I’m sure Tate and Lucy wouldn’t mind you staying with them either.”

“Hard pass. They’re still in the honeymoon stage, same as you and Ivie minus a baby. They’re planning their wedding and I don’t want to impose on them. I’ll be fine at my apartment. Y’all are being dramatic. I won’t go anywhere alone, I get it, but don’t try to take my apartment. I’ve lost everything else. I refuse to let this bastard force me out of my apartment too,” she says defiantly.

I look at Sterling and can’t help the smirk tugging at my mouth. It’s not appropriate at a time like this, but I’m smirking because she’s always been sassy. She’s hell-bent on doing things her own way, which is usually fine. But she’s placing herself in danger this time. Sterling’s mouth tips up slightly but vanishes almost as quickly.

“Fine. You’re left with Dean,” he shoots at her.

Her face turns about ten shades of red before she throws her hands up, getting animated. She walks away from us, tugging at her hair before twirling back around and standing right in front of her big brother once more. “Why would you trust Dean to babysit me? He’s a single male with needs! That tiny fact doesn’t bother you? You want him left alone with your baby sister?!” she shouts at him obviously trying to rile him up.

He chuckles. “Now you really are being ridiculous. I trust Dean with my life…and yours. Besides, you’re like a little sister to him.” Now it’s her turn to wince as if she’s been struck. “And if Tate and I can’t be the ones to keep you safe and out of trouble, I know he will. Plus, there’s a certain nurse he’s struck up a friendship with. I think your virtue is safe with Dean.” He makes the mistake of ruffling her hair like a petulant child and I almost see smoke shoot out of her ears.

She doesn’t say a word, she simply makes a beeline for her car, and once she’s in, she speeds away. I’m staring at her taillights wondering how the hell I’m going to keep her safe when Sterling huffs out a frustrated breath behind me. I turn to face him. “Please protect my baby sister. I know she’s going to fight us on this, but our guy seems to have his sights set on her at the moment.” His voice is laced with concern.

“I agree. And you already know I’ll take care of her.” I clap my hand over his shoulder. “Even if I have to camp on her doorstep.” I smile at him hoping to help put him at ease.

“I know you will. But be careful with her. She’s not…” He trails off in thought.

“She’s not what?” I ask with my heart in my throat.

“She’s not the same Briella we all know and love right now.” He stares at me with furrowed brows. “Let me know if she gives you too much grief and I’ll come.”

I shake his hand. “We’ll work it out.” He nods before making his way to the unmarked cruiser he drove, and I make my way to my truck. I get in and know I’m about to be in for the battle of my life…and my heart. It’s going to take every ounce of my charm to convince her to let me into her apartment and every ounce of strength I have to keep my heart from taking over the situation.

Once I stopped off at my place and grabbed a few changes of clothes and toiletries, I headed to her apartment, which is where I am now, trying to work up the nerve to knock. I’m standing at her door, and I raise my fist, letting it hover in the air as I drag in a breath to calm my racing heart—then I knock.

I hear her footsteps, but she doesn’t open the door. “Go away, Dean. I don’t need you here,” she says through the wood.

“You’re not going to make this easy, are you?” I ask.

“Nothing worth having is easy,” she counters. “And I’m going to fight all of you to keep my apartment to myself. This place is mine. Do you understand? I don’t need any more reminders of heartache in these walls.” I hear her sniffle and know she’s crying. The thought breaks me.

I lean in close to the door wishing I could touch her. “Briella, I’m not here to control you. I’m not here to bring more pain your way.” I think to the box and note attached to it, tucked away in my duffel. It’s what I took from Drew’s dresser tonight. It’s what he told me to make sure she has. It’s a ring box. I didn’t look, but it would seem he was getting ready to propose. The thought kicks me in my gut.

“I’m here to make sure you’re safe…that’s all. I won’t even speak, and I’ll sleep on the couch. Please open the door, BB.”

There’s a moment of silence and then I hear the deadbolt turning. She opens the door and steps to the side. I walk through as she shuts and locks the door back behind me. My gaze travels over her, and I notice she’s already changed into light pink pajama pants and a white camisole top…sans bra.

I force myself to look at her face even as I feel all the blood rushing south. She stares at me for a few seconds. Her nose is pink, and her chest and neck are splotchy from crying. “The couch is right over there. I’m going to bed.” She spins away from me, headed to her bed which I can see in her loft apartment. The whole space is open except a wall separating her bathroom from the rest of the dwelling.

She pauses before she gets to her bed and turns to look at me again. This time, there’s a hint of a challenge in her eyes and an undertone of spite in her voice. “I wonder what Sterling would say if he knew you were staring at my nipples just now, since I’m like a little sister to you that is.” Her brow lifts and she crawls into bed and turns out her bedside lamp which basically plunges the entire loft in darkness.

I’m left staring after her once again, with my mouth on the floor. There’s nothing subtle about Briella Brigg. When she’s mad or hurt—and right now she’s both—she lashes out with her wicked tongue. But the thing is, she’s not wrong. I don’t see her as a little sister, and I never have. If Sterling only knew…

After I get my stuff settled, I use her restroom which is close to where her bed is. I change into some athletic shorts and brush my teeth. I come out and see her lying on her side facing away from me. I stand there for a moment, debating on trying to apologize, or going on to bed myself…on the couch.

My heart gets the better of me and I choose option one: an apology.The heart always wins out against what the mind tells it. I walk on quiet footsteps and lean over her to see if her eyes are open. She has them closed but a tear spills down the side of her nose.

---